Motivation Meaning
Motivation Definition & Usage
The reason or incentive that drives a person to take action or achieve a goal.
Examples
- "Her motivation to finish the marathon was fueled by a desire to prove her strength."
- "Lack of motivation is one of the main causes of procrastination."
- "Teachers often try to understand their students' motivation to help them succeed."
- "His motivation to work hard stemmed from a wish to provide for his family."
- "What motivates you to get out of bed each morning?"
A specific reason or rationale for a particular action or behavior.
Examples
- "The motivation behind his decision to quit was personal and emotional."
- "What was the motivation for this policy change?"
- "The police are still investigating the motivation behind the crime."
- "Her motivation for writing the novel was to share her family's history."
- "His motivation to start the company came from his frustration with the industry."
Cultural Context
Motivation plays a central role in personal development and psychology. The concept has been widely studied in educational and psychological fields, with various theories attempting to explain what drives human behavior. In modern culture, motivation is often linked to success, achievement, and goal-setting. It's a core element of productivity and is frequently discussed in self-help and professional development contexts.
The Runner's Resolve
Story
The Runner's Resolve
Alex stood at the starting line of the marathon, feeling the familiar nervous energy in his legs. He had trained for months, pushing himself through early mornings and late nights, sacrificing comfort for the promise of a personal victory. As the gunshot echoed, signaling the start of the race, Alex took his first step forward. But it wasn't just the physical effort of running that drove him. It was the thought of his mother, who had always believed in his strength even when he doubted it. That belief had been his motivation for getting up at 5 AM every day, for pushing through the fatigue when others would have quit. But as the miles wore on, his motivation began to wane. The scorching sun and the steep hills made the distance seem longer than it was. He could hear the whispers in his mind—'Why am I doing this? Is it worth the pain?' But then, at the halfway point, he saw it: a crowd of people holding signs, cheering for the runners. One sign read, 'You’ve got this!' In that moment, Alex remembered his why. The motivation wasn't just to finish the race; it was to honor his promise to himself and to show that determination could conquer any obstacle. By the time he crossed the finish line, Alex knew something had changed. The motivation that had once been driven by obligation had now become a deep, personal passion. It wasn't about winning the medal anymore; it was about proving to himself that he could endure and overcome. And that was the greatest victory of all.